Detainee appeals to Shorten live on radio

A man claiming to be held in immigration detention has appealed to federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for help.

Calling himself Paul, the man told Mr Shorten he was in the Yongah Hill Detention Centre and had lived in Australia for decades before being detained after his visa was cancelled following a criminal conviction.

"I'm here after my visa was cancelled after doing 12 months jail," he said on Perth ABC radio on Wednesday.

"I've lived in Australia for 30 years and upon my release from prison, I was sent here and had my visa cancelled under the 501 legislation."

Mr Shorten told the man he couldn't make statements regarding his circumstances because he didn't know all the facts but said his office would look into the case.